Bhutan

Explore the natural and cultural wonders of Bhutan

Nov 2–20

Bhutan is a country and culture that embodies the art of living in the moment. As this nation is experiencing rapid growth and a newly emerging tourist industry, the itinerary must be flexible to take advantage of the best Bhutan has to offer. Your trip will start and end in Paro. From Paro you begin your journey through the country, have binoculars and camera ready in hand as the beauty of Bhutan unfolds immediately. Keep an eye out for the enigmatic Isisbill, one of the most sought-after Himalayan shorebirds, and the beautiful Wallcreeper as you venture further into the country. You will drive through many districts (or dzongkhags) to visit the best regions for birdwatching, observe acrobatic langurs, view beautiful mountain scenery, and experience unique cultural attractions. Among many unforgettable sites along the way, you will return to Paro and hike Bhutan’s famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Read on for highlights of each district you may visit.

Thimphu ~ Capital city of Bhutan
In Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu, you will discover a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. Visit a weaving shop and traditional papermaking workshop to watch students learn these respected crafts. See the national mammal, the takin, protected in an extensive nature reserve on the edge of town, or take an optional hike up to the Cheri Monastery.

Jigme Dorji National Park
Explore Jigme Dorji National Park, the second largest national park in Bhutan, covering parts of five districts (Gasa, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, and Wangdue Phodrang). You may encounter Assam macaques, common grey langurs, and goral (a native goat), plus many birds, such as the Crested Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Oriental Cuckoo, and Large Hawk-cuckoo. With luck, you’ll see the rarely seen Yellow-rumped Honeyguide feeding on the honeycomb of rock-bee hives.

Punakha ~ Dochu La Pass, Punakha Dzong
The drive from Thimphu to Punakha is one of the most scenic and memorable journeys in Bhutan, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural stops, and opportunities for light adventure. 

Starting from Thimphu, the road ascends gradually through pine forests and small villages before reaching the Dochula Pass at around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet). This pass is a highlight of the drive, especially in November, when the skies are typically crystal clear, offering stunning panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. On a clear day, you may catch glimpses of several of Bhutan's snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Gangkar Puensum, the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. 

A must-stop along the way is the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi, located just before the pass. The park spans over 47 square kilometers and is rich in biodiversity. It's a great place for a short nature walk on well-marked trails that pass through oak, rhododendron, and bamboo forests. Interpretive signs help visitors learn about the local flora and fauna, and the tranquil setting is ideal for a peaceful break. Continuing the descent, the landscape transitions from cool alpine to lush subtropical valleys as you approach Punakha, with terraced rice fields, traditional farmhouses, and the sparkling Mo Chhu river welcoming you into the valley.

Trongsa ~ Trongsa Dzong, Golden Langurs
Trongsa is best known for the Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong in Bhutan. Take in the beautiful surroundings and impressive architecture of the traditional fortress, learn about its historical importance, and perhaps see Assam macaques climbing the walls. If open, you’ll also visit the Tower of Trongsa Museum. The watchtower, up on the hill, has great views and interesting cultural and historical artifacts. The district is also an ideal place to find golden langurs, an increasingly endangered primate found only in Bhutan and parts of India. The drive from Punakha to Trongsa in November is a breathtaking journey through some of Bhutan’s most dramatic landscapes, steeped in natural beauty and cultural significance. Covering around 130 kilometers and taking roughly 5 to 6 hours, the road winds through lush valleys, dense forests, and high mountain passes, offering a rich and varied experience.

As the road descends from Pele La, it enters the broad, forested valley of Trongsa, Bhutan's geographic heart. The first sight of the Trongsa Dzong—dramatically perched on a ridge high above the Mangde Chhu river—is one of the most iconic views in Bhutan. The dzong appears suddenly through the trees, commanding the landscape and offering a powerful visual introduction to the region’s history.

At Trongsa you’ll visit the Trongsa Dzong and the watch-tower museum, which is dedicated to the Royal Family of Bhutan.

Zhemgang District ~ Tingtibi
During your time in the Zhemgang District, and along the Zhemgang-Tingtibi Road, you may find many special species, like Fire-tailed Myzornis, Cutia, Sultan Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, several species of Fulvettas and Laughingthrushes, Golden Babbler, Rust-fronted Barwing, Red-headed Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Pin-tailed Pigeon, White-browed and Speckled Piculet, and more. Watch for the endemic and rare golden langur, well known for its presence in this region, and encounter the black giant squirrel and yellow-throated marten while exploring the mixed broadleaved evergreen forests at elevations from 2,000 to 8,000ft. Tingtibi is a birding hotspot, however, the overnight accommodations are very basic here, with hopes that the prolific wildlife present and authentic experience are an even exchange. 

Tingtibe
Spend a day birding in the Tingtibe region with a focus on seeing one of the rarest birds in the world – the White-bellied Heron. It is estimated that the global population of this most critically endangered species is less than 60 individuals and almost half the world’s population is found in Bhutan. The other species that you can expect to find are White-hooded Babbler, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and White-breasted Parrotbill.

Panbang
The drive from Tingtibi to Panbang in southern Bhutan is a journey through one of the country's richest biodiversity corridors, offering exceptional birdwatching and immersion in lush subtropical forests. Spanning approximately 96 kilometers and taking about 3 to 4 hours, this route descends from the mid-hills of Zhemgang into the lowland forests bordering the Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest national park and a UNESCO tentative site. The park encompasses a mosaic of habitats, including tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests, riverine grasslands, and bamboo groves. These diverse ecosystems support a wide array of flora and fauna, making the area a hotspot for biodiversity. Beyond birds, the area is rich in other wildlife. The Panbang valley is known for its vast variety of butterflies and moths, with numerous species recorded in the region. Mammals such as the golden langur, an endangered primate endemic to Bhutan, can also be spotted in the forests along the route.

Nganglam
The drive from Panbang to Nganglam in southeastern Bhutan is a remarkable journey through some of the country's most biodiverse and bird-rich subtropical forests. Spanning approximately 80 kilometers, this route descends to elevations as low as 400 meters, offering birders and nature enthusiasts an exceptional opportunity to observe a wide array of tropical and subtropical species.

This corridor traverses the fringes of Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan's oldest protected area. The landscape is characterized by dense broadleaf forests, bamboo thickets, and riverine ecosystems. These habitats support a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making the region a hotspot for biodiversity. 

Yongkhola
The drive to Yongkhola will take you through some of the most pristine high-altitude montane forests along one of the best birding circuits in all of Asia. Keep watch for the beautiful Himalayan Pheasant as you weave through the landscape over Thrumshing La pass at 12,500ft and down into the Yongkhola at 5,500ft. If lucky, you might even spot a red panda. Hishey loves birding in this area so much he built Trogon Villa, so his clients would have a comfortable base to explore this wildlife-rich region of Bhutan. In addition to abundant bird life, search for capped langurs swinging playfully in the trees. A night drive offers you the opportunity to see nocturnal species. You will be stopping for four nights in the pristine forest of Yongkhola, which may be one of the top birding sites in Asia. During this time, we will also visit the headquarters of the Mongar district to witness the Mongar Tsechu (festival). 

The Mongar Tshechu is a vibrant three-day religious and cultural festival held annually in eastern Bhutan, from November 17 to 19. Hosted in the courtyard of Mongar Dzong, this event is a significant spiritual occasion for the local communities and attracts attendees from neighboring districts such as Trashigang, Lhuentse, and Trashiyangtse.

Central to the Tshechu are the Cham dances, sacred masked performances that depict stories from the life of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and other Buddhist deities. These dances are believed to confer blessings upon spectators and serve as a means of spiritual purification. Beyond its religious aspects, the festival is a major social event. Locals dress in their finest traditional attire, gather with family and friends, and enjoy communal meals. The Tshechu fosters community bonding and offers a platform for cultural expression through music, dance, and traditional arts.

Bumthang ~ Jakar Dzong, Tang Valley
Bumthang Valley, often considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, is a serene and culturally rich region located in the central part of the country. Comprising four smaller valleys—Chokhor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume—Bumthang is known for its rolling hills, verdant pastures, and numerous ancient temples and monasteries. It is home to some of Bhutan's most sacred sites, including Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, which are deeply rooted in Bhutanese history and the spread of Buddhism in the region. The valley's name, "Bumthang," roughly translates to "beautiful field," a fitting description for its picturesque landscape and peaceful ambiance.

Beyond its spiritual significance, Bumthang offers a unique glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life. The region is renowned for its distinctive textiles, particularly the intricate woolen weaves known as yathra, which are produced in villages like Zugney. Visitors can explore quaint farming communities, taste locally made cheese and honey, and enjoy scenic hikes through pine forests and along pristine rivers. Despite its growing popularity among tourists, Bumthang has retained its charm and authenticity, making it a captivating destination for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural depth.

Gelephu Region
The majestic Indian peafowl is common around the Gelephu region, which borders the Indian State of Assam. You may encounter all four species of hornbills found in Bhutan - the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, and Oriental Pied-Hornbill. Other large colorful birds you may find here are the Indian Roller, Dollar Bird, Red-naped Ibis, parakeets, and several waterbird species.

Wangdue Phodrang ~ Pele La Pass, Phobjikha Valley
Take in spectacular views over Pele La Pass between the districts of Trongsa and Wangdue Phodrang. Monals, a type of pheasant, and Great Parrotbills are possible sightings here. You may also encounter mammals, like goral and serow, wild herbivores that do well in these habitats around Pela La. Descend into the glacial valley of Phobjikha, known as the “Valley of the Cranes.” This valley has the largest wetland in Bhutan and is one of the winter homes of about 350 Black-necked Cranes. These cranes typically start to arrive at the end of October and migrate back to Tibet in early March. The annual presence of the cranes has made Phobjikha one of the most important wildlife preserves in the kingdom. Listen to the cranes calling in the pine forest while flying overhead. During your stay in this valley, you will hike around the crane roost, watch for new arrivals, and visit the Crane Education Center to learn about the various conservation programs in the valley. 

Dochu La Pass
Dochu La, at 10,200ft, is one of the most scenic passes in Bhutan. On a clear day, Dochu La affords superb views of the Himalayan range to the north. In addition to the natural scenery, visitors to the Dochu La are drawn to the 108 Buddhist stupas (a place for meditation) built on a hill decorated by colorful prayer flags. Wake up early to watch the sun rise over the breathtaking Bhutanese Himalayas.

Paro ~ National Museum, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Chele La Pass, Paro Valley
Make your way back to Paro with time to visit the National Museum of Bhutan. View over 3,000 pieces of the country’s finest specimens and masterpieces including art, bronze statues, and paintings that cover 1,500 years of cultural heritage.

Bhutan’s most famous site is the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, impressively built on the side of a cliff just west of Paro. Halfway up you may relax at a cafe and enjoy the view of the monastery across a gorge. If you continue, you will discover increasingly dramatic views leading to a picturesque waterfall and bridge just below the monastery. You may tour the inside to see the rocks protruding from within; however, photography is not permitted inside. Keep an eye out for monkeys playing in the trees near the trail.

Scenic Chele La Pass is the highest road in Bhutan (close to 13,000ft) with excellent views when the skies are clear. A pre-dawn departure could uncover nocturnal species such as Gray Nightjars or leopard cats. Explore different habitats as you climb to the mountain pass and search for three different pheasant species. Explore the beautiful Paro Valley and the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong. The valley’s blue pine forest is home to Laughingthrushes (Black-faced and Chestnut-crowned) and Chestnut-tailed Minla, and you may find Ibisbill patrolling the Paro River.

Bhutan’s festivals and Buddhist culture
Bhutan is a country of festivals. The most important are the religious dance festivals, known as Tshechus, which are held in different districts throughout the year. In a swirl of color and noise, the gods and demons of Buddhist mythology come to life. Masked and sword dances and other rituals are performed by monks and villagers. The performances have deep religious significance but are not somber affairs. The Atsaras (traditional clowns of the Tshechu) add color and merriment to the festival with their bawdy antics.

The Buddhist culture of Bhutan is visible throughout the country with prayer flags and stupas adorning the hillsides and mountain passes. Hishey will enlighten you with stories of his country’s history, including the arrival of Buddhism and Bhutan’s peaceful transition from monarchy to democracy. He’ll interpret tales depicted in the brightly painted murals covering walls in monasteries and dzongs. Due to its strong connection to nature, the country’s cultural history is closely tied to its natural history.

Fly from Paro to Bangkok

Nov 21

Hishey will transfer you to the airport for your group flight from Paro back to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok or connect with a late-night flight homeward.

Arrive home

Nov 22